Abstract
AbstractThe role of many insect species in crop pollination has been widely studied. The use of entomophilous pollination, commonly adopted for other crops, may be of key importance in order to improve seed yields in seedโpropagated globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) cultivars. In this regard, in a 2โyear field experiment, the role of two honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica and A. mellifera siciliana) and one bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) was evaluated on the seed production of two globe artichoke cultivars in cagedโprotected environments. Overall, the number and weight of seeds plantโ1 and headโ1, 1,000 seed weight and fruit setting were higher in caged plants with imposed pollination than open field plants. The pollination efficiency was both insect and cultivar dependent. Both honeybee species performed better on the Mediterranean cultivar โVioletto di Siciliaโ, while the bumblebee performed better on the Brazilian cultivar โNP4โ. These results could be very useful to modernise the agronomic management of globe artichoke and reduce the costs of cultivation. In addition, such knowledge can be used to improve the seed production in globe artichoke seedโpropagated cultivars and cardoon. This will benefit the bioenergy, nutraceutical, cosmetic and ornamental applications.
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